Genocidal Racists: Lawful Evil Or Chaotic?

Genocide is a term coined by Raphael Lemkin, combining the Greek word genos, meaning race or people, with the Latin suffix -caedo, meaning the act of killing. It refers to the destruction of a nation or ethnic group, often through violent means. Lawful evil, on the other hand, is a character alignment in games and stories, depicting villains who operate within a system and hold positions of power and authority. They may be self-righteous anti-villains seeking a twisted form of peace or sadistic control freaks who revel in their power. With this in mind, can a genocidal racist be considered lawful evil? This question delves into the complex nature of character motivations and moral ambiguities, exploring the potential alignment of a character driven by racism and a desire for genocide within the context of a structured system.

Genocide and racism in games

Genocide and racism are sensitive topics that have been explored in video games, sometimes sparking controversy and debate. The relationship between race and video games has attracted significant academic and journalistic scrutiny. Games provide an avenue for players to explore, practice, and reinforce cultural and social identities, and their multifaceted cultural implications can lead to complex racial dynamics.

One of the most controversial games addressing these themes is "Ethnic Cleansing," a first-person shooter released in 2002 by the National Alliance, an American white supremacist and neo-Nazi organization. In the game, players assume the role of a Ku Klux Klan member, a neo-Nazi skinhead, or the Aryan White Will, and their objective is to kill stereotypically depicted African Americans, Latinos, and Jews, who are described as "predatory sub-humans." The game was intentionally designed to be provocative and spread a white supremacist message, and it sparked widespread criticism from anti-hate organizations.

The inclusion of genocide and racism in video games has been a subject of debate among players and developers. Some argue that games should provide players with the freedom to make moral choices and explore different perspectives, even if those choices involve evil actions. However, critics argue that the portrayal of genocide and racism in games can reinforce negative stereotypes and cause harm to marginalized communities.

The concept of "evil" in video games is often simplified, with the options typically limited to "Lawful Good" and "Chaotic Stupid." True evil, driven by incentive and a coherent character ideology, is rarely explored in a nuanced way. This can lead to evil choices feeling sadistic, petty, or arbitrary, making it challenging for players to fully embrace these paths.

Games that have attempted to provide more nuanced depictions of evil include Planescape: Torment, KOTOR II, and Tyranny. These titles have offered philosophical grounding for evil choices or institutionalized evil behaviour within the game's universe, making the exploration of these themes more meaningful and complex.

The definition of genocide

Raphael Lemkin, a Holocaust survivor from Poland, coined the word "genocide" in 1944. He defined genocide as "the destruction of a nation or of an ethnic group" by means such as "the disintegration of [its] political and social institutions, of [its] culture, language, national feelings, religion, and [its] economic existence". Lemkin's definition of genocide was more ambitious than simply outlawing mass slaughter. He believed that the law against genocide could promote more tolerant and pluralistic societies.

The term "genocide" refers to certain acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Genocide is an international crime, according to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948). The acts that constitute genocide fall into five categories:

• Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part
• Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group
• Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group
• Genocide can also be committed against only a part of the group, as long as that part is identifiable (including within a geographically limited area) and "substantial"
• Attempted genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, incitement to genocide, and complicity in genocide

Genocide is a crime prohibited under international law, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has repeatedly stated that the Convention embodies principles that are part of general customary international law. This means that all states are bound by the principle that genocide is a crime, regardless of whether they have ratified the Genocide Convention. The definition of genocide as contained in Article II of the Convention reflects a compromise reached among United Nations Member States in 1948 and is adopted verbatim by the ad hoc international criminal tribunals and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Lawful Evil character traits

Genocide is a violent act targeting individuals because of their membership of a group, aiming at the destruction of a people. Raphael Lemkin, who coined the term, defined it as "the destruction of a nation or of an ethnic group". Genocide includes cultural genocide or ethnocide, which targets the reproduction of a group's language, culture, or way of life.

A genocidal racist can be considered lawful evil, depending on the context and the specific actions and motivations of the character. Lawful Evil characters are villains who prefer to operate within a system and hold positions of power and authority. They can be self-righteous anti-villains who desire to bring peace through fascism and brutality, or they can be sadistic control freaks who enjoy having power over others.

• A strong belief in their own cause and ideology, considering themselves as bringing order or justice.
• A strict code of conduct or honour that they adhere to, which justifies their actions as necessary or righteous.
• A willingness to break rules or laws for a greater good, as they perceive it.
• A sense of loyalty or respect towards those who share their cause, and a strong desire to protect their group from external threats.
• A lack of empathy or compassion towards the target group, dehumanising them or considering them as inferior or a threat to be eliminated.
• A manipulative or charismatic nature, able to influence others to follow their cause and carry out their orders.

It is important to note that the alignment system in role-playing games is a simplification of complex moral and ethical issues, and real-world racism and genocide are sensitive and nuanced topics that may not fit neatly into these categories.

Real-world examples of Lawful Evil

The concept of "lawful evil" is often explored in fantasy games and literature, where characters may exploit rules and power structures for personal gain, adhering to a strict set of laws and hierarchies that serve their interests. While these fictional portrayals provide a lens for understanding the alignment, real-world examples offer a more nuanced perspective.

One of the most notorious instances of lawful evil in history can be attributed to the Nazi regime during World War II. Raphael Lemkin, a Polish lawyer of Jewish descent, coined the term "genocide" in response to the atrocities committed by the Nazis. Lemkin defined genocide as "the destruction of a nation or of an ethnic group," encompassing not only physical annihilation but also the disintegration of cultural, linguistic, and social institutions. The Nazis, driven by their ideology of racial superiority and a hierarchical vision of society, systematically targeted Jews and other groups for extermination, embodying the characteristics of lawful evil.

In more recent times, the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar provides another tragic example of lawful evil. The Myanmar military and extremist Buddhist groups have systematically oppressed and persecuted the Rohingya Muslim minority, resulting in mass killings, rapes, and the destruction of entire villages. The military regime, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has utilized laws and policies to further marginalize and dehumanize the Rohingya, confining them to internment camps and denying them basic rights. This systematic campaign of violence and discrimination aligns with the lawful evil paradigm, where order and hierarchy are valued above freedom and dignity.

Additionally, the Chinese government's treatment of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang can be considered a real-world example of lawful evil. The Chinese authorities have implemented a vast system of mass surveillance, detention, and forced assimilation targeting Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims. Under the guise of law and order, the government has justified the detention of over a million Uyghurs in "re-education camps," where they are subjected to forced labor, political indoctrination, and cultural erasure. The Chinese government's actions reflect a structured and hierarchical approach to imposing their will, demonstrating a disregard for individual freedom and human rights.

These examples demonstrate how the lawful evil alignment can manifest in the real world, where individuals or regimes exploit laws, power structures, and societal hierarchies to further their own agendas, often resulting in devastating consequences for marginalized groups.

Racism and evil in D&D

Racism and evil are complex topics that can be explored in the context of role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). The alignment system in D&D, which categorizes characters and creatures into moral categories, has been a subject of discussion and criticism, especially regarding the depiction of evil.

In D&D, the alignment system categorizes creatures and characters into combinations of Lawful, Neutral, or Chaotic, and Good, Evil, or Neutral. This system has been criticized for its perceived oversimplification of morality, as it suggests that creatures are inherently aligned, ignoring the complexities of individual values and beliefs. This binary view of morality can be problematic when applied to real-world issues like racism.

Racism, in its extreme form, can lead to genocide, which is defined as "the destruction of a nation or ethnic group." Genocide is a heinous act that targets individuals because of their membership in a particular group. In the context of D&D, the alignment system can influence how players and dungeon masters (DMs) approach genocidal acts committed by player characters or non-player characters.

For example, a genocidal character in D&D might be considered Lawful Evil, a villain who operates within a system of power and authority to impose their idea of order. This could include a character who believes in the superiority of their race and seeks to exterminate or subjugate other races. However, it is important to note that the alignment system is not meant to be a definitive guide to character behavior and that player agency and role-playing should always come first.

When incorporating racism and evil into D&D, it is crucial to handle these sensitive topics with care and respect. Discussions of racism and genocide should not be taken lightly, and it is essential to consider the potential impact on players and their enjoyment of the game. DMs should work with their players to establish comfortable boundaries and ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding the inclusion of such themes in the game.

In conclusion, while D&D's alignment system provides a framework for character behavior, it should not be the sole determinant of a character's actions. Racism and evil are complex issues that require nuanced exploration, and incorporating them into D&D should be done thoughtfully and responsibly, ensuring that the game remains enjoyable and respectful for all players involved.

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